2010 University of Delaware Blog
Mr. Khalique Bailey, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Associatio, 16 October 2010
The last day of our 2 weeks in Delaware, It started with a Stephen, Jeff and Dan going through logistics for all the coach’s apprenticeship programs. Stephen was Meticulous as usual making sure that all details were covered. Our only lecture for the day was done by Dr Robinson on Sponsorship and Fundraising, as usual well articulated and forceful. This was the most educational two weeks I ever had in sports information. Thank you Guys really well done and greatly appreciated.
It was now time for us to check out of the hotel and get prepared for our trip to Lewes where we would be spending two nights before we leave for our individual programs. The A-Team as we call our- selves (Khalique, Quentin and Aaron) walked down to Main Street to buy phones so we can keep in touch with each other along with family and friends. We had lunch and then proceeded to wait till 2:00 pm when we were scheduled to leave. I listened to some reggae music while waiting as it was beginning to feel a bit of sadness leaving my new friends as we move on to the next aspect of the training.
We departed to Lewes where we settled in at the Delaware Research facility until it was time to go out and explore the beach, shopping and restaurants. It is such a beautiful place and the food was awesome. We went home after dinner to rest for an exciting day tomorrow.
Ms. Nargis Anny, Bangladesh National Swimmming Federation, 14 October 2010
Today was the last day of the program at the University of Delaware. It was a rainy day, but we were very happy to be here finishing with the first part of the program. Here the library was very rich on books. We learned a lot from the presenters during these 10 days, and all the coaches were friendly and easy going.
I thank Dr. Robinson and all the staff from the University of Delaware and the USOC for the opportunity to come to the ICECP program, because it gave me very important knowledge for developing athletes at a high level and the project that will come out of this program will be very beneficial for my country. God bless you all.
Ms. Tien Ying Liaw, Chinese Taipei Judo Federation, 13 October 2010
It appears to be a big day for some individuals, but not for everyone. We start presenting tonight. I have to be honest with you, they are good. The coaches are experienced in their own sports and also have great plans for development in their country. Some individuals have stated that they have played sports in front of thousands of individuals but are nervous to give their opening presentation. Personally, I believe that everyone will turn out excellent. It seems that their sport is the love in their life. We all love our sports in our life and have decided to keep it that way.
Mr. Sidi Bowedi Darma, Indonesian Athletics Federation, 12 October 2010
Coach Ian Hennesy showed us that almost all peak performance in sport, especially track and filed are reached at the age of 22 to 29 years old. The age related level of development of athletes in sport determines whether they reach peak performance or they quit without any praise. This fact taught us the important to design the training demand that is suitable to an athlete’s age and his/her training age. Other important training, related to age, is what skill is best to learn, which is mostly in the age of 8 to 11 years. It is very important that every coach, regarding his sport, pay much attention to this level of training development: Fundamental training (such as quickness, agility)-Learn to Training (skill)- Training to Train (speed, strength, aerobic)- Training to Compete (physical, mentyal, emotional) and Training to Win. A specific attention also must be given because not all athletes are created equall. Each of them need to be treated in certain case differently, especially in phase when they are being trained to win.
Coach John Schuster said that there should be an awareness that coaching is not just to train the physical fitness of athletes, but coaches are also responsible to develop an athlete psychologically and socially. To be a great athlete the coach’s responsibility is to shape them as a whole person. This demand shows us the range relationships between the coach and their athletes. The demands that the coach must have are knowledge and experience in soscial and psychological matter, the ability to take a certain attitude and make the proper decision for the right time and place. The coach has to be able to build dicipline into his/her athletes. The coaching principle: athlete first, winning second should be accounted in all matters in an athlete’s development.
Mr. Ratnatilaka Bandara Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka, 10 October 2010
Today, I woke up at 7.00 a.m. and went to the dining hall with my roommate Uros. As usual, I had meals with dreams of rice. Don’t misunderstand the meals are in very good standard and quality. But our Sri Lankan main meal is rice.
Our lectures started at 9.00 a.m. and after the lunch time we could visit to the Sports Venue at the Delaware University. Artificial indoor and out door tracks, playing fields were there. Also we got an opportunity to attend the sports medicine unit at the stadium. The athletes have great facilities.
I appreciate that the course facilitators are guiding and making us aware of new knowledge and showing us their sports facilities. After class we came back in the bus near the library and walked up to the Hotel. Before having dinner I went to the fitness centre and did some exercises.
Before going to bed I have to attend to see the e-mails from home and my friends. I always remember my two daughters and wife and my family members. Both of my daughter’s birthdays are in October. What to do? I have to wish them by post and electronically. My roommate Uros went to play Volley Ball just after the dinner. Oh! Uros came just now when I about to finish my day story.
Good night with sweet dreams.
Mr. Ratnatilaka Bandara Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka, 9 October 2010
We started the day at 7.00 a.m. and visited Washington DC. We had our morning meal on the bus. Our course facilitators guided and helped us very well. We reached Washington DC at about 10.00 a.m. and as the guidance of our course facilitators we were able to visit many important places. The temple of Abraham Lincoln and the museum were attracted me so much. How the Americans are repay him with the respect and appreciation. This will be the most important thing for the success of a nation.
The next attractions will be the World War II memorials and the dinosaur museum. When I entered the museum I felt as if my two daughters were with me to see this museum and what they would think. On behalf of all the participants I thank the USA, the IOC Solidarity and Course facilitators for providing these great opportunities to us.
Ms. Inguna Minusa, Latvian Volleyball Federation, 8 October 2010
It is Friday evening and we are going to Washington DC tomorrow. I hope the day will be sunny. So far I have survived five busy and interesting study days. We spent all of Friday together with Mr. Richard Way. We discussed long-term athlete development, talent identification and field specialization. The overall conclusion was one should not specialize in a particular field too early because it increases probability of injuries. The optimal age of specialization is different for each kind of sports, because the age when body is ready is different for different fields. There is no need to worry if a junior initially does not show particularly good results. It might be that the progress will start later on. Good results can be reached only with hard work and time. After the study session we had a pizza together with Delaware University students. Then at 6:15 pm we watched a UD women volleyball game. I was very impressed by cheerleaders - their acrobatic skills, their patriotism and their loud voices. The game was great - so much defense that is usual in women volleyball. I was a bit surprised about the rules. First, libero can serve, there be 16 changes, after 2 sets the teams go to their changing rooms for 10 minutes. I had an opportunity to meet UD coaches and even got their signatures in their own volleyball boos. It got even better afterwards when I watched a basketball game between our coaches and students. Super! Our coaches were better!
Zoran Mirkovikj, Macedonian Taekwondo Federation, 7 October 2010
After a couple of rainy days there was finally a sunny day in Delaware. I must say that I love when the sun is out in Delaware. Today we started with a lecture presented by Bob Shillinglaw and it was about “Sport Psychology” which was very educational. After that there was a lecture by Dan Watson about “Emergency Management for Coaches”. This lecture was educational and was fun because we a practiced CPR on the dummies. The third lecture was presented by Mr. Jeff Schneider about strength training. He shared some interesting thoughts with us regarding to resistance and plyometric training for youngsters. Afterwards we there was a lecture presented by Dr. William Farquhar, he told us about Fluid Balance and Temperature Regulations for Athletes.
Then we all went for a dinner in the University cafeteria, afterwards with my colleagues. Afterwards we played a soccer, which I prefer to call football, and we enjoyed the nice weather.
At 18:45 we all went to meet Dr. Matthew Robinson to begin working on our project development. He gave as plenty advice about how to start working on our projects, about key points like implementation, scope of work, task analysis, critical path, and many more.
This was a very long day for all of us. We will all continue tomorrow with hard work.
Coaches can change the world!!!
Dejan Pejinovic, Serbian Swimming Federation and Serbian Olympic Committee, 6 October 2010
Finally, a clear day on campus! After three days of rainy, sunny day we were all good mood. The day started normally, as the days so far, and the morning passed quickly with excellent operational lecture on nutrition and practical basic course on using the PowerPoint in the university library. I was particularly stunned when I saw so many 30 inch Apple Mac monitors in one place! The library is very large and technically superbly equipped facility, and a very good place for learning. First, the afternoon lecture on the SWOT analysis was very stimulating and encouraging many to think more about their project. This session ended very constructive group work with the exchange of ideas. The last part of the afternoon lecture was very convenient on the prevention of lower back injuries with many practical examples and guidelines. The day ended with a soccer friendly game between the representatives of Brazil, Slovenia, Macedonia and Serbia in Carpenter Sports Building. Everyone enjoyed.
Uros Hercek, Basketball Federation of Slovenia, 5 October 2010
Good physical education is father of good athlete.
I started my day very early this morning. I woke up at 5 am, looks like I still have a problem with time differences. After breakfast Ian Weithers made presentation about his project. What can I say? Ian, you have done a tremendous work.
Injuries have always been and will continue part of game. So, sooner or later every coach will have to deal with this. Dr. Lynn Snyder-Mackler made a very good point with her lecture. Be patience and don't be too early result oriented.
After the lunch break, Dr. David Barlow highlighted all the basic biomechanical principles for coaching. Too bad we did not have more time!
At the end of the day, there are a lot of new questions in my mind.
Matthew, Jeff, Dan, Stephen, Carolina and all participants thank you very much.
Laisiasa Puamau, Basketball, Fiji, 4 October 2010
On Friday, 30th October 2010 at 5.30am, I finally arrived at the University of Delaware after 15 hours in the air and 8 hours lay over at LA. I was greeted at the airport by former Delaware student Dan at 5.30am who drove me to the Courtyard Marriot hotel which is located on the North Side of the Campus. I had breakfast at the hotel on my arrival courtesy of Dr Matthew Robinson before I headed up into my room for some much needed rest. I felt a little at ease when I met Dr Robinson who made me feel welcomed as I was a stranger in a foreign country. I was the first participant to arrive at the University of Delaware with a mass number participants forecasted to arrive on Saturday 1st October.
After a few hours of sleep, I decided to follow Dr. Robinson advice by taking a walk through the University Campus. It took me a while to soak in everything as the campus in my mind was so big with the length of 4 miles long. I came across Main Street which is the local town in Newark and is located 5 minutes from the hotel. Reaching the end of Main Street, I decided to be a little adventurous and with the help of some students. I was able to catch a bus to the Christian Mall. The mall exceeded my expectations and was the biggest mall that I have ever stepped in. Feeling a little tired and after consulting by passers, I was able to find a return bus back to the hotel. As I returned to the room I met my roommate from Gambia. In an instance my friend from Gambia and I was able to contact as we both came from a foreign country.
